PHOTOS BY CAPTURED LISTINGS

When her grandchildren moved to Pittsburgh 16 years ago, Deanna started visiting them frequently — and the city made an impression on her. 

Joey Selley says her mother-in-law then spent five years looking for the perfect spot in Pittsburgh to call home before finding everything she was looking for at 6911 Church Ave. in Ben Avon. 

“The house had to be walking distance from where we are because she envisioned our kids walking to her house to visit,” she says. “She got that wish because they would often go for walks together to get candy and drinks at the gas station in the Avalon bus loop, and then bring her her favorite candy bars — Snickers or Mounds.” 

Deanna enjoyed 11 years living in the cozy ranch home near her grandchildren. Her family says Deanna (they didn’t want to share her last name) was happiest when her home was full of her children and grandchildren. Despite their busy schedules, her family made that happen as often as they could.

“We had the best time just all being together in her house. I think that she enjoyed being surrounded by us,” says Selley. 

Now listed for $389,000, the three-bedroom, two bathroom home is ready for new owners to fill it with memories.

Jennifer Waters of Howard Hanna says the listing checks so many boxes. One-level living in walkable Ben Avon is one of them, as there are very few ranch-style homes in the stately, historical neighborhood, which is filled with Victorians and American Foursquare-style homes. 

Built in 1957, the home has a recent, 400-square-foot addition that brings the total living space to 1,216 square feet. Inside the new space are an extra living room on the main level, as well as a third bedroom below it — which Waters says gets amazing sunlight — a full bathroom and its own dedicated exit. 

The remainder of the unfinished lower level is spacious, while the roomy kitchen has a functional layout. Waters says the well-maintained house has some other great updates, such as the Trex composite deck. 

“I can just imagine enjoying my morning cup of coffee overlooking the beautifully landscaped and fully fenced-in backyard,” she says.  

While the updates make this house stand out, Waters also loves some of the things Deanna chose not to change. 

“She left the mint-green-and-black, retro tile bathroom,” she says. “It’s not for everyone, but it adds to the charm of the home and is a throwback to the era of the home build.” 

While the home is a gem, the friendly neighborhood is icing on the cake. Selley says the local children loved to come play with her mother-in-law’s dog, or stop by when out for a walk.

“When she passed, so many of them came to us and shared moments of talking to her while they were walking by,” she says. “They all cared about her and had wonderful things to say about her. It was a comfort to know that so many other people loved her company. The feeling of a close-knit community is strong here.”

Meg St-Esprit is a Bellevue-based freelance journalist who covers real estate, lifestyle, education, parenting and travel for a variety of local outlets including Pittsburgh Magazine, PublicSource, Kidsburgh, Pittsburgh City Paper, and City Cast Pittsburgh. Meg offers Hot Property, an inside look into unique and historic homes on the market. Each week, Hot Property goes behind the For Sale sign to share the story of a special Pittsburgh-area home.

About: Ben Avon
Population: 1,899
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Pittsburgh’s north boroughs have long been popular with commuters for their prime location. Ben Avon, wedged into the triangle made by Ohio River Boulevard and Interstates 279 and 79, is situated perfectly for quick access to all of the city’s major arteries. There are no regular public buses to Ben Avon, but the commuter 19L route takes residents to and from Downtown during the morning and evening commutes.
Schools: Avonworth School District (avonworth.k12.pa.us)
Neighborhood: Named for the Scottish term for “hill by the waters,” Ben Avon is a walkable, historic community with access to parks and several local businesses. Various parades and festivals are beloved by residents year-round, which adds to the community’s close-knit feel. 

Neighborhood data provided by Niche.